Grout cleaning mop

ABSTRACT

A grout cleaning mop. The grout cleaning mop may comprise a scrubber, a cylindrical coupler, and an ability to connect to a cleaning element. The scrubber may comprise a bottom portion, one or more side portions, a joint, an interior surface, an exterior surface, at least one grout line cleaning portion, and one or more retention holes. The cylindrical coupler may be pivotally coupled to the joint on the interior surface of the scrubber. A grout line cleaning portion may traverse lengthwise along substantially an entirety of the exterior surface of the bottom portion of the scrubber. The cleaning element may be removeably coupled to the scrubber via retention holes. The grout cleaning mop may further comprise a handle. The cylindrical coupler may be configured to receive the handle, and a locking mechanism on the cylindrical coupler may selectively lock and unlock the handle relative to the cylindrical coupler.

FIELD OF USE

The present disclosure relates generally to floor cleaning devices, and more particularly, to mops with enhanced grout cleaning capabilities.

BACKGROUND

The use of tile as a floor and surface covering has become increasingly popular in recent years. A typical floor tile installation comprises a plurality of tiles bonded to an underlying subfloor via a bonding and interconnecting material, such as grout. Grout lines are generally recessed slightly below the tile surface in the form of grooves, which causes the grout to tend to collect dirt and debris. This, in turn, makes the grout more difficult to clean because conventional mops tend to scrub along the flat surface of the tile and usually miss the recessed grout lines. Conventional mops may even push more dirt into the grout line.

Additionally, conventional mops typically use copious amounts of water with cleaning products mixed in to ensure that all dirt and debris has a sufficient amount of solvent to be removed from the floor. Unfortunately, this may leave wetness on the floors, which creates a favorable environment for mold and mildew. Because of its traditionally lighter coloring and porous composition, grout lines are especially prone to staining due to mold and mildew build-up. When mold and mildew are able to penetrate grout lines, they can spread throughout the floor, and create a more serious health hazard. Thus, it is important to remove mold and mildew as soon as possible. Regular cleaning of floors and grout lines can keep mold and mildew at bay, but traditional mops are usually ineffective or inefficient at cleaning grout lines.

Therefore, based on the foregoing, there is a need for a new and improved grout cleaning mop capable of cleaning floors and grout lines without using or leaving behind a substantial amount of water. Preferably, the new and improved ground cleaning mop has the ability to use water to remove unwanted dirt, debris, mold and mildew.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present specification discloses a new and improved grout cleaning mop.

One embodiment may be a grout cleaning mop, comprising: a scrubber; and a coupler; wherein the scrubber may comprise a joint, at least one grout line cleaning portion, and one or more cleaning element retention portions; wherein the at least one grout line may traverse lengthwise along substantially the entirety of a bottom portion of the scrubber; wherein the coupler may be pivotally coupled to the joint; wherein the one or more retention portions may be configured to removeably couple a cleaning element to an outer surface of the scrubber; wherein the coupler may be configured to removeably couple to a handle; and wherein the at least one grout line cleaning portion may be configured to cause the cleaning element to matingly engage with a grout line to allow effective and efficient cleaning of the grout line. The scrubber may further comprise the bottom portion, one or more side portions, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The scrubber may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section; and wherein the at least one grout line cleaning portion may be a single grout line cleaning portion that extends distally away from the bottom portion on the exterior surface. The joint may be centrally located on the interior surface of the scrubber. The exterior surface of the scrubber may comprise a texture to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities. When the cleaning element is removeably coupled to the scrubber, the cleaning element may substantially cover the exterior surface and the grout line cleaning portion of the scrubber. The one or more retention portions of the scrubber may be located on the one or more side portions at one or more corner ends of the scrubber. The one or more retention portions may be four retention holes. The coupler may be substantially cylindrical and may comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of the cylindrical coupler may be configured to selectively lock and unlock the handle to the cylindrical coupler.

Another embodiment may be a grout cleaning mop, comprising: a scrubber; and a cylindrical coupler; wherein the scrubber may comprise a bottom portion, at least two side portions, a joint, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a grout line cleaning portion, and four retention holes; wherein the joint may be located on the interior surface of the scrubber; wherein the cylindrical coupler may be pivotally coupled to the joint; wherein the grout line cleaning portion may traverse lengthwise along substantially the entirety of a bottom portion of the scrubber; wherein a cleaning element may be removeably coupled to the scrubber via the one or more of the four retention holes of the scrubber; wherein when the cleaning element is removeably coupled to the scrubber, the cleaning element may substantially cover the exterior surface and the at least one grout line of the scrubber; and wherein the at least one grout line cleaning portion may be configured to cause the cleaning element to matingly engage with a grout line to allow effective and efficient cleaning of the grout line. The scrubber may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The cylindrical coupler may comprise a locking mechanism; wherein the cylindrical coupler may be configured to receive a handle; and wherein the locking mechanism of the cylindrical coupler may be configured to selectively lock and unlock the handle relative to the cylindrical coupler. The exterior surface of the scrubber may comprise a texture to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities. The four retention holes of the scrubber may be located on the one or more side portions at one or more corners of the scrubber.

Another embodiment may be a grout cleaning mop, comprising: a scrubber; a cylindrical coupler; and a handle; wherein the scrubber may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section; wherein the scrubber may comprise a bottom portion, one or more side portions, a joint, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a grout line cleaning portion, and four retention holes; wherein the joint may be located on the interior surface of the scrubber; wherein the cylindrical coupler may be pivotally coupled to the joint; wherein the exterior surface of the scrubber may comprise a texture to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities; wherein the at least one grout line cleaning portion may traverse lengthwise along substantially the entirety of a bottom portion of the scrubber; wherein a cleaning element may be removeably coupled to the scrubber via the four retention holes of the scrubber; wherein the four retention holes of the scrubber may be located on the one or more side portions at one or more corners of the scrubber; wherein when the cleaning element may be removeably coupled to the scrubber, the cleaning element substantially covers the exterior surface and the grout line cleaning portion of the scrubber; wherein the cylindrical coupler may comprise a locking mechanism; wherein the cylindrical coupler may be configured to receive a handle; wherein the locking mechanism of the cylindrical coupler may be configured to selectively lock and unlock the handle relative to the cylindrical coupler; and wherein the at least one grout line cleaning portion may be configured to cause the cleaning element to matingly engage with a grout line to allow effective and efficient cleaning of the grout line.

It is an object to overcome the limitations of the prior art.

It is an object to provide a grout cleaning mop that is adapted to perform multiple functions, including cleaning and scrubbing surfaces, without the use of excessive water.

It is an object to provide a grout cleaning mop that is adapted to clean and scrub difficult surfaces such as grout lines.

Other features and advantages inherent in the cleaning mop, as claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top perspective view of one embodiment of the grout cleaning mop.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the grout cleaning mop.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front elevational view of one embodiment of the grout cleaning mop with a handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments of the cleaning mop. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

While some embodiments are disclosed here, other embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. The Figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of these embodiments. For purposes of this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, may refer to a deviance of between 1-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top perspective view of one embodiment of the grout cleaning mop. As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the mop 100 may comprise a scrubber 105, a coupler 110, and a removeable and/or disposable cleaning element. The scrubber 105 may be a cleaning utensil head portion or stiff mop head and may comprise a bottom portion 135, one or more side portions 140, a joint 115, an interior surface 120, an exterior surface (shown in FIG. 2), and one or more cleaning element retention portions 125. The cleaning element retention portions 125 may be retention holes configured to securely, but releasably couple with a cleaning element (e.g., cloth), such that the cleaning element substantially covers an exterior surface of scrubber 105. In an embodiment, the scrubber 105 may have a substantially u-shaped cross section that is essentially hollow, as shown, which may provide stability and strength, but may allow the grout cleaning mop to be lightweight. The side portions 140 may also be substantially perpendicular to a bottom tangent and/or cleaning element that may be on bottom portion 135. In this manner, the mop 100 may be capable of cleaning a wall surface, a floor surface, and/or a corner between them simultaneously. The side portions 140 and the bottom portion 135 may be formed from single continuous sheet of material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, acrylic, aluminum, metal, composites, or like materials. The joint 115 may be located on the interior surface 120 of the scrubber 105, preferably in a centered position, as shown in FIG. 1. The coupler 110 may be cylindrical, as shown, and may be pivotally and otherwise moveably coupled to the joint 115, such that the mop 100 may be maneuvered in order to clean both (1) flat and/or even surfaces and (2) uneven surfaces, such as grout lines. A cleaning element, disposable or reusable, may be removeably coupled to the scrubber 105 via retention holes 125, and the retention holes 125 may be located on the side portions 140 of the scrubber 105. Preferably, each retention hole 125 may be located at each of the four corners of the scrubber 105 such that the scrubber 105 comprises four retention holes 125. The retention holes 125 may further comprise alternative retention capabilities, including but not limited to, adhesives, hook-and-loop, frictional tabs, or the like. The cylindrical coupler 110 may comprise a releasably locking mechanism 130 and may be configured to receive a handle such that the locking mechanism 130 may selectively lock and unlock the handle relative to the cylindrical coupler 110. The cylindrical coupler 110 may further comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to encourage positive contact between the scrubber 105 and the surface to be cleaned. The handle is generally long enough for a user to be in a standing position and still operate the mop 100. The handle may be constructed from any material, such as wood, metal, or plastic.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the grout cleaning mop. As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the mop 100 may comprise a scrubber 105. The mop 100 may also comprise a grout line cleaning portion 205 that traverses lengthwise along substantially the entire bottom portion 135 of the exterior surface 200 of the scrubber 105. The exterior surface 200 of the scrubber 105 may further comprise a texture 210 to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities. Various embodiments of the texture may include ribs, dimples, or any pattern that might assist in cleaning. The cleaning element is preferably a woven reusable cloth, but may be a disposable cleaning cloth. The cleaning element may also be any material suitable for cleaning surfaces, such as but not limited to, a pad, fabric, rag, cloth, textile, paper, or the like. A cleaning element may be removeably coupled to the scrubber 105 via cleaning element retention portions 125 (e.g., cleaning retention holes). When the cleaning element is removeably coupled to the scrubber 105, the cleaning element may substantially cover the exterior surface 200 and the grout line cleaning portion 205 of the scrubber 105 and is held firmly in place. The texture 210 may alter the surface contour of the cleaning element and may assist in scrubbing flat surfaces. The grout line cleaning portion 205 may further push or press the cleaning element against the surface, nook, corner, or grout line to be cleaned for optimal cleaning.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front elevational view of one embodiment of the grout cleaning mop with a handle. As shown in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the mop 100 may further comprise a handle 300. The handle 300 may be adapted to removeably couple to the cylindrical coupler 110 and may be locked into the mop 100 via a locking mechanism 130. The locking mechanism 130 may be configured to selectively lock and unlock the handle 300 relative to the cylindrical coupler 110. During use, the bottom portion 135 of the scrubber 105 may be positioned with the grout line cleaning portion 205 downward and held flush against a surface. Contact between the scrubber 105 and the surface may be enhanced via a cleaning element, which may be removeably coupled to the scrubber 105. Further, the cylindrical coupler 110 and handle 300 may pivot relative to scrubber 105 in order to provide enhanced maneuverability and allow the scrubber 105 to maintain uniform contact with the surface. The cylindrical coupler 110 may further comprise a spring effect to provide positive force against the surface via the handle 300. Accordingly, the cleaning element may be pressed against a surface to ensure optimal cleaning. Preferably, the mop 100 may be used to clean irregular surfaces, and the irregular surfaces may include, without limitation, various surfaces such as carpet, tiles, grout lines, or the like.

FIG. 3 shows that the grout line cleaning portion 205 may substantially extend an entire length of the bottom of scrubber 105. In one embodiment the grout line cleaning portion 205 may allow the user to force a cleaning element into a grout line and scrub along a length of the grout line. The joint 115 and coupler 110 preferably allow the user to align the mop 100 and grout line cleaning portion 205 to become parallel with a grout line for efficiently and effectively cleaning a grout line.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A grout cleaning mop, comprising: a scrubber; and a coupler; wherein said scrubber comprises a joint, at least one grout line cleaning portion, and one or more cleaning element retention portions; wherein said at least one grout line traverses lengthwise along substantially the entirety of a bottom portion of said scrubber; wherein said coupler is pivotally coupled to said joint; wherein said one or more retention portions are configured to removeably couple a cleaning element to an outer surface of said scrubber; wherein said coupler is configured to removeably couple to a handle; and wherein said at least one grout line cleaning portion is configured to cause said cleaning element to matingly engage with a grout line to allow effective and efficient cleaning of said grout line.
 2. The mop of claim 1, wherein said scrubber further comprises said bottom portion, one or more side portions, an interior surface, and an exterior surface.
 3. The mop of claim 2, wherein said scrubber has a substantially U-shaped cross-section; wherein said at least one grout line cleaning portion is one grout line cleaning portion that extends distally away from said bottom portion on said exterior surface.
 4. The mop of claim 3, wherein said joint is centrally located on said interior surface of said scrubber.
 5. The mop of claim 3, wherein said exterior surface of said scrubber comprises a texture to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities.
 6. The mop of claim 3, wherein when said cleaning element is removeably coupled to said scrubber, said cleaning element substantially covers said exterior surface and said grout line cleaning portion of said scrubber.
 7. The mop of claim 6, wherein said one or more retention portions of said scrubber are located on said one or more side portions at one or more corner ends of said scrubber.
 8. The mop of claim 7, wherein said one or more retention portions are four retention holes.
 9. The mop of claim 3, wherein said coupler is substantially cylindrical and comprises a locking mechanism.
 10. The mop of claim 9, wherein said locking mechanism of said cylindrical coupler is configured to selectively lock and unlock said handle to said cylindrical coupler.
 11. A grout cleaning mop, comprising: a scrubber; and a cylindrical coupler; wherein said scrubber comprises a bottom portion, at least two side portions, a joint, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a grout line cleaning portion, and four retention holes; wherein said joint is located on said interior surface of said scrubber; wherein said cylindrical coupler is pivotally coupled to said joint; wherein said grout line cleaning portion traverses lengthwise along substantially the entirety of a bottom portion of said scrubber; wherein a cleaning element is removeably coupled to said scrubber via said one or more of said four retention holes of said scrubber; wherein when said cleaning element is removeably coupled to said scrubber, said cleaning element substantially covers said exterior surface and said at least one grout line of said scrubber; and wherein said at least one grout line cleaning portion is configured to cause said cleaning element to matingly engage with a grout line to allow effective and efficient cleaning of said grout line.
 12. The mop of claim 11, wherein said scrubber has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.
 13. The mop of claim 11, wherein said cylindrical coupler comprises a locking mechanism; wherein said cylindrical coupler is configured to receive a handle; and wherein said locking mechanism of said cylindrical coupler is configured to selectively lock and unlock said handle relative to said cylindrical coupler.
 14. The mop of claim 11, wherein said exterior surface of said scrubber comprises a texture to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities.
 15. The mop of claim 12, wherein said four retention holes of said scrubber are located on said one or more side portions at one or more corners of said scrubber.
 16. A grout cleaning mop, comprising: a scrubber; a cylindrical coupler; and a handle; wherein said scrubber has a substantially U-shaped cross-section; wherein said scrubber comprises a bottom portion, one or more side portions, a joint, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a grout line cleaning portion, and four retention holes; wherein said joint is located on said interior surface of said scrubber; wherein said cylindrical coupler is pivotally coupled to said joint; wherein said exterior surface of said scrubber comprises a texture to provide enhanced cleaning capabilities; wherein said at least one grout line cleaning portion traverses lengthwise along substantially the entirety of a bottom portion of said scrubber; wherein a cleaning element is removeably coupled to said scrubber via said four retention holes of said scrubber; wherein said four retention holes of said scrubber are located on said one or more side portions at one or more corners of said scrubber; wherein when said cleaning element is removeably coupled to said scrubber, said cleaning element substantially covers said exterior surface and said grout line cleaning portion of said scrubber; wherein said cylindrical coupler comprises a locking mechanism; wherein said cylindrical coupler is configured to receive a handle; wherein said locking mechanism of said cylindrical coupler is configured to selectively lock and unlock said handle relative to said cylindrical coupler; and wherein said at least one grout line cleaning portion is configured to cause said cleaning element to matingly engage with a grout line to allow effective and efficient cleaning of said grout line. 